could my sensitive TB live out?

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UKa

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Hi, I am just wondering if anyone has experience with TBs that live out all year. I am considering options for my horse in the long run right now and came across an opportunity to put her onto all-year grazing (with field shelter) but unsure that she would be ok. She has had issues with cold-related tying up before and is always on the leaner side (which is helped by good rugging though and ad-lib hay). For a different type horse I would not hesitate to go down this route as it seems so much more natural but with her I would not be sure, any thoughts?
 
I have a TBxhanoverian mare who lives out all year perfectly happily, despite being arond 22 and struggling with weight. i am lucky in that your yard has pretty good grazing, but we don't have a field shelter, only trees, and so we jsut rug her up extremely well and she is happy as can be. There are so many good rugs nowadays that personally I can't see that being in a stable is much warmer than being out - it's only the rain that's the problem, but even that is fine with a few good full-necks! My horse is much happier out (loses weight and stresses when in which is why we made the decision) but works 100% for her no problems!
I also used to keep my arab out all year, again just a few good rugs really all that are needed i think, altough it does depend on the horse!
 
Yes, i have full tbs that live out. As long as you use good rugs and feed plenty of hay in the winter. Mine all have a fibre only diet- grass, hay, alfalfa and unmollassed sugar beet. Mine dont have a field shelter so thats a bonus!
 
I have 3 full TB's out and they cope fine. One of them in particular is a very sensitive soul and he is thriving. I've had no probs keeping weight on them, even on the one that has been hunting. They get a fibre and oil based feed once a day and hay at night.

Best thing I ever did with them...
 
my full tb has always lived out and has had no harm from it!

this winter she has ad-lib hay, one feed a day of Alfa-A and Topspec, was half clipped and worked 4 days a week.

she actually looks better when she is living out than in and seems to hold her weight better that way too.
 
How many horses will be in the field with her?
Is the field shelter big enough for everyone?
Will there be access to adlib haylage for as long as it's needed?
Will you still be visiting twice a day to feed?
 
I have a TB x ID and he much prefers to be out playing with his pals rather than cooped up in a stable. I think as long as you rug well and keep an eye on their weight they are much happier. Really important to watch their weight though, mine has lost a lot in the last month due to the prolonged cold weather.
 
I know lots of TBs that live out, many in much harsher climates than this. If they're cared for properly - appropriate feeding, shelter etc., a peaceful social situation, - it shouldn't be a problem.

I don't mean this as a specific comment but I'm a little confused by the idea I keep running into that horses "naturally" lose weight in the winter due to cold. I've kept horses in MUCH harsher climates and really have not found this to be the case IF the horse is provided with proper feed (which, to be fair, usually means almost free choice forage), water, shelter and care. It's not even uncommon to have horses living out in below freezing temperatures without blankets (!!
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) so long as they can be kept dry, which I agree can be a trick in the UK. Obviously feeding and management have to be adjusted but lots of horses in cold climates work happily through the winter with no "expected" weight loss.
 
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